Many letters in these next weeks will be preaching the virtues of each candidate’s policies. But I write to speak about Troy Jackson, a Democratic candidate for Maine’s 2nd District, as my friend.

I speak of Troy as the man who allowed me the privilege of sharing a night around a bonfire with his family and friends, and told me the stories of the Allagash that once was — the Allagash that he hopes will once again rise to its former glory. He spoke of coming up poor, his mom forced to choose between heat and food, which often meant he was either cold or hungry.

He’s running for Congress because he knows cold and because he knows hunger, and because he doesn’t believe that any Mainer should know either. I’m writing because I live on the wrong side of the border. I ask those who can vote to please vote for my friend Troy.

Ed LachowiczWaterville